Who is Quality Enterprises USA?

Smokehouse Bay Bridge is not the first project Naples-based Quality Enterprises USA Inc. has contracted to do for the city of Marco Island.

“Quality Enterprises USA has been working on contracts and projects for the city since 2002,” says Public Works Director Tim Pinter. “QE has always provided the city with an excellent work product. They have worked with us to overcome several large unforeseen situations with the numerous projects they have completed. They have always been more than professional in their dealings with the city.”

In fact, Quality Enterprises was responsible for the construction of Marco Island Utilities’ high-service pump station, various sidewalk and drainage projects and the three phases of reconstruction of South and North Collier Boulevard.

Still, many in the community may not know Quality Enterprises well, so here is a snapshot of the company that not only will rebuild Smokehouse Bay Bridge but that also currently holds at least some part of the future of the Marco Island Marriot Beach Resort’s $150 million renovation project in its hand.

Quality Enterprises was founded in 1969 by Mr. Howard Murrell, Sr. in Norfolk, Virginia, as Quality Electric Co. The focus of the company then was gas station electrical work in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 1973, the company shifted its business plan to general contracting and petroleum-related service work, and incorporated as Quality Engineering Company Inc.

Over the next 20 years, the company expanded in size, scope and range, working in multiple states and territories. Operations grew to include heavy civil, buildings, utility and mechanical piping installations, and asphalt and concrete paving. With its growing geographical presence and evolution of project experience, the company name changed to Quality Enterprises USA Inc. in 1994.

Today, Quality Enterprises is headed by Mr. Howard Murrell, Jr., and houses its corporate in Naples. It also has a Mid-Atlantic regional office in Chesapeake, Virginia, and a Gulf Coast regional office in Gulfport, Mississippi. It employs more than 200 people and has a modern fleet of more than 500 pieces of heavy construction equipment to perform construction projects involving utilities, petroleum, roadway, earthwork, concrete and asphalt paving, bridges and aviation development. It focuses on major civil, building and specialized construction work for local, state and federal government agencies, as well as private and commercial owners.

City officials are confident they will be able to work with Quality Enterprises and the Marriott to expedite the Smokehouse Bay Bridge project, and now are waiting on a response from Quality Enterprises about an accelerated schedule.

Once the schedule has been hashed out and City Council has made its decision as to whether or not it will approve an expedited process, Quality Enterprises will receive its notice to proceed the initial project phases which will include surveying, protecting adjacent private property, preparing shop drawings, ordering materials, and preparing the site preparation, including confirming utility locations and temporary service relocation for continuity of services.

If the Marriott’s $1 million and an expedited schedule remain in play, Quality Enterprises will have until May 1, 2015, to complete the bridge.